Our infections disease division provides services in response to a wide variety of communicable diseases, including vaccinations, education, case investigation, and treatment for certain conditions. Most services are offered at low or no cost to Maryland residents at our Community Health Clinic.
Our program includes services related to the following diseases:
- Adult Vaccinations
- COVID-19
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Tuberculosis
- Influenza (Flu)
- Tick-Borne Illnesses
- Rabies
- Gastrointestinal Illnesses
Caroline Health and Public Services Building
403 S. 7th Street
Denton, Maryland 21629
Phone: (410) 479-8000, Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We are closed on Maryland State employee holidays and when Caroline County government offices are closed for holidays or due to inclement weather.
Appointments are required for services. Some same day appointments may be available for certain services.
Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations is as important for adults as it is for children. In addition to a seasonal flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, there are a variety of other vaccinations that adults should receive.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control website for a complete list of recommended vaccines by age and medical condition.
We highly encourage you to access vaccines through your primary care provider or local pharmacies. The Health Department only provides the adult vaccinations listed below to patients with Medicaid/Medical Assistance and Medicare. We do not bill private insurance companies.
The Health Department offers COVID-19 testing and vaccination for eligible individuals. Additionally, our call center can answer many common questions about COVID-19, including other testing and treatment options. Visit our COVID-19 page for complete information.
Our Community Health Clinic provides services, education, and resources to men and women to help them to engage in safe sexual practices. Most of our services are provided at low or no-cost to Maryland residents. Visit the Reproductive Health section of our website for more information.
Tuberculosis, also known as TB, is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.
Our services include:
- Tuberculosis skin testing/reading
- Medication administration for active tuberculosis cases
- Medication administration for latent tuberculosis cases for those without insurance
- Case management
- Education on tuberculosis prevention to community partners and the public
- Outbreak and case investigation
For questions or to make an appointment, call (410) 479-8000. Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay. Tests cost $19 per test.
The flu is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and even death. Some of the symptoms of flu may include fever or feeling feverish, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
Different strains (or types) of flu viruses circulate each year. This is what is known as seasonal flu. In the United States, flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as the following May.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine. Prompt antiviral drug treatment is also important if prescribed by your health care provider.
The Health Department offers free or low-cost seasonal flu vaccines each year. Call (410) 479-8000 for questions about the Flu Vaccine. Dial 7-1-1 to place a call through Maryland Relay.
Avian Influenza, commonly known as “bird flu,” is a viral infection caused by influenza type A viruses that primarily affect birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals. Transmission to humans is rare and typically occurs through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces. Those at higher risk include poultry workers, farmers, veterinarians, and individuals handling live or dead birds. Proper hygiene, avoiding contact with wild birds, and thoroughly cooking poultry and eggs can help reduce the risk of infection.
Human infections can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory illness, pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and even death. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing and neurological complications. Prompt medical attention is crucial for anyone exposed to infected birds who develops symptoms.
The Maryland Department of Health actively monitors cases and works with other agencies to control outbreaks in bird populations and protect public health. For more information and updates, visit the Maryland Department of Health’s website and the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website.
Measles is a highly contagious but preventable viral illness that can affect people of all ages, with complications most common in young children and adults over 20. It is especially dangerous for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses starting at 12-15 months, is the best protection against measles and is required for Maryland school children. The virus spreads through airborne droplets and direct contact with infected respiratory secretions, remaining contagious on surfaces for up to two hours. A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before to four days after the rash develops and should avoid childcare, school, work, and public places until they are no longer contagious.
Symptoms to look for include:
- Rash that starts on the face and neck and then spreads, fading in the order it appears
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough (sometimes like Croup)
- Small red spots with blue and white centers inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
- Symptoms such as fever, cough, and watery eyes may occur within 8 to 12 days after exposure. It usually takes 14 days (range 7-18 days) after exposure to develop a rash.
While there is no specific treatment, supportive care such as fluids, nutrition, and fever management can help those infected.
If you think you or your family member have symptoms of measles, call your doctor before going to the office so staff can take measures to prevent possible spread to other patients. Do not go to child care, school, work, or out in public if you have symptoms of measles. If you think you or a family member might have been exposed to measles, or if you have questions about vaccinations, contact your healthcare provider.
For more info, refer to the Maryland Department of Health’s Measles Facts Sheet.
Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can cause serious health issues. Our infectious disease program makes treatment referrals for tick-borne illnesses and provides education to the public and community groups about how to avoid tick bites, signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, and what to do if you’ve been bitten.
Resources:
- Take actions to prevent tick bites
- Learn how to remove a tick properly
- Recognize signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
To report a rabid or potentially rabid animal, contact the Environmental Health Division at (410) 479-8045. After business hours or on the weekend, call (410) 829-5910.
If you have had contact with an animal you think may be rabid, report to the emergency department of your closest hospital. The Health Department does not have postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, but it is available through the hospital.
Our Community Clinic provides preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals, such as those who work in veterinary practices ($349/dose, 3 doses required) and referrals to treatment for those who have been exposed to rabies.
Help prevent the spread of rabies by ensuring that all your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccination. The Environmental Health Division of the Health Department routinely provides low-cost rabies vaccination clinics for county residents.
Our staff conducts investigations into outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses in order to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent further illness.
If you are planning a party or event, be sure your plans include simple food safety measures to help protect your guests. If you are selling food, certain regulations may apply. Visit the Food Safety section of the Environmental Health page for more information.
Resources:
Ebola disease is caused by an infection with one of several orthoebolaviruses, which are mostly found in sub-Saharan Africa. There are 4 types of orthoebolaviruses that cause illness in people. Ebola disease was first identified in 1976 after an outbreak in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Since then, these viruses have periodically emerged from an unknown animal host and infected people in several African countries.
People in the United States and travelers have a very low risk of getting infected with Ebola.
In areas where Ebola disease is occurring, healthcare workers and people caring for others with Ebola disease without proper infection control methods have the highest risk of infection. If you’re living in or traveling to areas where the viruses that cause Ebola disease occur, you can take steps to protect yourself.
For the latest information on evolving Ebola outbreaks, visit the CDC’s Ebola FAQ page.